The arrival of weight loss jabs has sparked an unprecedented level of interest. Patients now come into my pharmacy asking directly about these medicines, something rare even a year ago.
The surge in demand reflects both excitement and hope. Many patients who struggled for years now feel more in control of their health. But as a community pharmacist, I’ve also seen the challenges these medicines bring, and I believe the future of weight loss jabs will depend heavily on how we manage accessibility, affordability, and patient safety.
Weight has often been dismissed as an issue of “willpower”, with patients trialling fad diets or slimming programmes. But the conversation has changed. Weight loss jabs are helping to shift this perception.
They offer new hope, though not a magic solution. They work best alongside lifestyle changes and monitoring. This is where community pharmacies can support.
The price of progress
The recent news of Eli Lilly significantly increasing the price of Mounjaro in the UK is deeply worrying. At a time when more patients than ever are seeking these treatments, such a move risks making them unaffordable for thousands.
Just after the price rise was announced, a patient came into the pharmacy and broke down in tears. She said she couldn’t afford the new costs and feared losing all the progress she had worked so hard for. For patients like her, these jabs have been nothing short of a ray of light, and the idea of losing access is devastating.
That is why the news of a new rebate scheme from Eli Lilly is so essential. While the reductions are not hugely significant, they will undoubtedly help ease the burden. Even a modest price relief can mean the difference between patients continuing treatment or giving up altogether. Hopefully, more patients will feel this sense of relief.
A pharmacist who sees a patient regularly can provide encouragement and accountability in a way that no anonymous online transaction ever could.
Yet rebates alone cannot solve the wider challenge. As an industry, we must ensure that cost does not drive patients to unsafe, unregulated sources. Already, there are reports of black-market weight loss jabs being sold online. Without proper safeguards, patients are exposed to counterfeit products, incorrect dosages, and serious health risks.
Safety net
Community pharmacies are uniquely placed to address these challenges. We offer something that online providers and unregulated sellers cannot: face-to-face, personalised care.
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When a patient comes to me, they are not just another prescription. I know their name and medical history. I can monitor side effects, provide reassurance, and adjust advice as needed. If something doesn’t feel right, I can intervene immediately. That continuity of care is critical for medicines that can cause nausea, dehydration, and other complications if not carefully managed.
Equally important are the checks that pharmacists carry out before and during treatment. Weight loss jabs are not suitable for everyone, and we must ensure that patients are clinically appropriate candidates for them. Regular weight checks, BMI calculations, and ongoing monitoring are not optional extras – they are the foundation of safe prescribing.
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I recently had a patient transfer to my pharmacy after receiving treatment elsewhere. Shockingly, her prior pharmacy supplied injections without even basic checks, such as regular weight reviews.
This is unacceptable. Without those checks, how can we know if the treatment is working, or if it’s still appropriate to continue? This highlights why strong clinical oversight is non-negotiable.
Weight loss is not just about biology; it’s about psychology, behaviour, and motivation. A pharmacist who sees a patient regularly can provide encouragement and accountability in a way that no anonymous online transaction ever could.
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As demand for these medicines continues to grow, the role of community pharmacy will only become more vital. NICE guidance already highlights the importance of ongoing support alongside medical treatment, and community pharmacies are perfectly positioned to deliver this holistic approach.
For that to happen, two things are essential. There should be stronger regulation of online sales, unregulated providers pose a serious risk to public health and must be tackled with urgency.
And there should be greater recognition of a pharmacist’s role - pharmacists need to be supported, both financially and structurally, to provide the monitoring and care these patients require.
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I have seen first-hand how life-changing these medicines can be when given the proper guidance to use safely and appropriately. Patients are excited to share stories of improved mobility, renewed confidence, and better health outcomes. Unfortunately, I have also seen the risks with patients tempted by cut-price online offers, or those unaware of the side effects until it was too late.
That is why community pharmacy must be at the heart of the weight management revolution. We can bridge the gap between access and safety, between medical innovation and human care.
The future of weight loss jabs should be shaped by healthcare professionals who know their patients best, and community pharmacists are ready to lead the way.
Kishan Purohit is superintendent pharmacist at Crowhill Pharmacy in Nuneaton